TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Jon Atack had a weird conversation with a Scientology member years ago, and now he needs help to solve a mystery about the church and a possible exotic weapon! Wow! We have the details. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“The prevention of the engram, all by itself, would give us a brand-new society. If everybody agreed to keep his mouth shut around a person who has been injured, who is ill or has any analytical attenuation, within a matter of 35 to 40 years there would be an entirely different society. If society, by some means or other, even without knowing a thing about Dianetics, its techniques of application, would just agree that it was worse than killing a man (without knowing what it was doing to him) to say anything around a person who was unconscious, or to quarrel with or otherwise disturb a woman who was pregnant, within the course of a generation there would be a marked change for the better in the whole society.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1951
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“Now, the MEST universe is all very well but it’s all illusion. Well, one doesn’t want an illusion, so he can’t have an illusion. And when he was very young, why, Christ was all right, he was very friendly, as a matter of fact, and so on. But that’s mostly — people, you know, they have to believe in that sort of thing. And they did once, but it requires nothing but faith and, of course, they can’t have any faith anymore and they did have hopes on that once in a while, but actually religion doesn’t lead anybody anyplace in the final analysis because you never get your wish anyway so, of course, one can’t survive on the basis of spirits and religion, and so forth.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 27, 1951
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“Deutchland Uber Alles was Germany’s WWI slogan and song — Germany over the Allies. An East German (Commie) ship not only dropped their anchor over ours and fouled it but also had its lines over ours when we went to move the ship. The anchor was unfouled by Karl Rosenkranz our master diver and the operation was competently supervised by Captain Robertson. Condition I is congratulated on a smooth move. As it is shallow here, we can only leave at high tide to avoid ticking a propeller on the bottom.” — The Commodore, October 27, 1970
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“One of our greatest tools has always been the truth so very soon we are going to be researching and collecting data on individuals in the Freezone. We are then going to do a video series on each and release them to the public so they can see all of the lies and out-tech for themselves. Let us see them lie and tell half-truths with their faces, addresses, and businesses blasted all over the internet for all to see exactly what they are up to. We can just let the truth be the truth and then get on with the job of actually doing the tech as we are now. Much like those who hold public office these individuals have violated the trust of those they swore to serve and made the mistake of thinking Esperianism could not thrive without them. I wonder how that is working for them lately?”
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1996: An article was posted from American Atheist News, describing Scientology’s efforts to establish a memorial to L. Ron Hubbard in his birthplace, Tilden, Nebraska. “A proposal to erect a picnic complex at a public park in honor of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and post signs along a hiking trail listing his 21 ‘Way to Happiness’ precepts has many folks in the small town of Tilden, Nebraska worried and angry. A local citizens group is threatening to file a lawsuit, and there is a slate of city council candidates explicitly opposing the plan. Critics say that the signs and picnic pavilion clearly violate the First Amendment separation of church and state. Two years ago, a group known as the Friends of the Park Foundation began raising money for a new city park and trail which would connect with Cowboy Trail, a popular hiking and cycling route. Enter the Friends of L. Ron Hubbard Foundation; the group donated $50,000 to supplement locally-raised money for the park projects, and match a $228,000 federal grant. The Foundation has pledged another $250,000 for the construction of a ‘picnic pavilion’ which would be included in the new park to be officially named the L. Ron Hubbard Park and Recreation Center. Plans have also been proposed to include signs listing the Hubbard-authored ‘Ways to Happiness.’ They include such homespun advice as ‘Fulfill Your Obligations,’ ‘Don’t Do Anything Illegal,’ and ‘Take Care Of Yourself.’ Depending on who you talk to, these are important moral lessons, painful elaborations of common sense, or messages designed to promote Hubbard and the Scientology religion. Members of the Concerned Citizens group insist that the park project involves an attempt to promote the Scientology religion, and that the ‘Ways to Happiness’ qualify as religious statements which have no place on public property. One member told the World-Herald that the proposal was Scientology’s attempt to ‘come in and recruit new members.’ In addition Concerned Citizens ‘narrowly missed’ putting a measure on the Nov. 5 ballot which would have banned acceptance of money from the Hubbard Foundation; but three anti-Hubbard candidates are now running for City Council. The local City Attorney is reportedly concerned about the church-state separation dimension of the park flap. Michael Brogan has advised city officials to avoid the potential for lawsuit and reject at least the suggestion to erect the 21 precept signs, and notes that ‘The more it looks like the city is approving of a particular kind of religion, the more it would violate the notion in the Constitution that requires a separation of church and state.'”
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“Maybe you mocked up another version of yourself in a blackout and forgot about it. Ask Marty, it probably has something to do with Quantum Buddhism(c).”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. Appeal heard and submitted, waiting for ruling. Masterson has also submitted a habeas corpus petition.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Pleaded guilty on Nov 10 to a 17-year prison sentence. Now serving time in state prison.
— Aaron Matthes charged for SA of child under 12 years old: OT Scientologist facing multiple mandatory life sentences. Next pretrial court hearing set for June 19.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Scientology’s attempt to gut the case failed, and appeals court upheld. Back to trial court in December.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ 17 days of arbitration completed, Val waiting for further word from the IJC.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike upheld on appeal. Case returning to Kalra’s court.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028. Hearing on arbitration motion set for March, 2027.
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Other links: The prosecution of Danny Masterson. Leah Remini’s Fair Game Podcast. Leah Remini’s A&E Series. Scientology’s Celebrities, from A to Z. Bryan Seymour’s suppressed series, Scientology Black Ops: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Scientology’s barge wants you aboard — as long as you’re not gay, on psych drugs, or in tax debt
[TWO years ago] Why is Trump’s ‘historic’ Madison Square Garden rally featuring a major Scientology donor?
[THREE years ago] Scientology amps up attack on ‘Bixler’ lawsuit, adds anti-SLAPP to motion to strike
[FOUR years ago] Canada gained 3.5 million people between 2011 and 2021 — and lost 365 Scientologists
[FIVE years ago] Scientology holds its ‘Writers of the Future’ awards out of season, but same lavish display
[SIX years ago] Masterson accusers cite Marsy’s Law to head off ‘arbitration,’ and Scientology pounces
[SEVEN years ago] A Scientology front group that duped celebrities for Narconon: It’s baaaack!
[EIGHT years ago] Russell Miller’s 1987 biography of Scientology’s founder is still astonishingly good
[NINE years ago] KID CORPS: Scientology wanted to turn children into little machines of Sea Org efficiency
[TEN years ago] Surprised Tom Cruise called Scientology a ‘beautiful religion’? You shouldn’t be.
[ELEVEN years ago] THE LEAH REMINI FILES: AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE ‘KRs’ THAT INFORM HER MEMOIR
[TWELVE years ago] Gay Ribisi, our friend Mark Ebner has your Scientology plaques — want ’em back?
[THIRTEEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology Is In Your Capital, Working Your Jenna Elfman
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,794 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 4,298 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,804 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 4,354 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,730 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 3,225 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,531 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 5,180 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,398 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,952 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 5,293 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,863 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,780 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,947 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,533 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,792 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,540 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 4,109 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,420 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,595 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 5,277 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,614 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,467 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,583 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,945 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,744 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,588 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 4,203 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,704 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,964 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 16,068 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 27, 2026 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter.
Our book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2025 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2024), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
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Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
